gemjoy - you only have to pay if you want bottled water delivered to your stateroom. There is unlimited free filtered water available 24/7 at the Deck 9 beverage station. So, if you like have a large water cup, you can just bring one with you and refill it. Or you can just use the smaller paper cups they provide at the beverage station. For leaving the ship, you could always bring a larger water bottle with you and refill it for excursions etc. You definitely do not HAVE to buy water for your room but it is an option.